Experiences Beyond the Classroom

Over the past fortnight, our Senior School students have been immersed in experiences beyond the classroom to help them reflect on their place in the world.

Our Year 9 students participated in a week-long City Experience and Year 11 students attended Fit2Drive workshops where they considered the importance of decision-making and risk assessment as young road users.

Year 10 students continued their career education program with an incursion entitled ‘The Pitch’ that helped them build confidence and develop skills for the future. Subject selection briefings were delivered to students in Years 8 and above as they consider their educational journey in 2023.

The end of National Careers Week culminated in a Dress for Success Day where students came to school dressed as scientists, DJs, tradies, artists, teachers, engineers, nurses and much, much more.

During our Week 4 assembly, staff members were interviewed about their career journeys and they shared their experiences, talked about the obstacles they have faced, and gave recommendations to students who are considering their future careers. Their advice was encouraging — follow your passions, ignore the stereotypes, and remember that career journeys often head in several different directions.

Following Tuesday evening’s Subject Selection Fair, where teachers and Heads of Department will be available to answer questions, the Web Preferences portal will open for students to enter their subject selections for next year. Please be mindful of the deadlines that were outlined in last week’s letter to families.

Year 9 City Experience

A highlight of the Year 9 Program is City Experience. Travelling to and from the city each day without any direct supervision, and moving to various places within the city, has helped students develop independence, confidence, self-awareness and teamwork.

Students visited a range of venues including the Eureka Skydeck, the State Library and the MCG. They explored the Art Walk at Southbank and the many laneways of Melbourne, too. Their observations will prompt further research into issues in society as they undertake a ‘Passions Project’ at school.

Year 12 Formal

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who attended the formal at Settler’s Run. The event was an opportunity for students and teachers to come together, share a meal, relax and gather on the dance floor!

The evening encapsulates the significance of each student’s final year of secondary schooling, where they start to be truly regarded as adults. The formal is one of the many rites of passage that occur around this time, in addition to getting a driver’s licence or being able to vote in the election.

Kate Morgan

Head of Senior School

Solving a Murder

On Monday, 16 May, Year 8 students participated in a Forensic Science Incursion organised by Education Interactive. Here, Summer Z, describes the event.

A murder had occurred, and it was our job to investigate who the murderer was. Dean Johnson was murdered and the suspects were: ‘The Accused,’ ‘The Couple’ and ‘The Drug Dealer’.

We were presented with clues including digital evidence, handwriting, fingerprints, DNA evidence, an autopsy report, blood evidence, ballistics evidence, impression evidence and trace evidence. Each of the clues were solved interactively, so it felt like we were solving a real case.

Eventually, the crime was solved — but if you want to know who the murderer was you’ll have to come along next year!

Casey Standish

Classroom Teacher – Science and Mathematics

Year 9 Photography in the City

On Thursday, 5 May, the Year 9 Photography class ventured into the city to attend a digital camera workshop at Teds Cameras. They learned about the complexities of using a camera from a technical and creative perspective and the students then walked around the city, exploring photo opportunities before arriving at ACDC Lane for a photo-taking session.

It was a wonderful day that gave students the chance to take photos in unfamiliar situations and to look at the world through a slightly different lens.

Natalie Burns

Senior School Media & Drama Teacher